Three of the Best Hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
About Rocky Mountain National Park, USA
The Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the state of Colorado and covers 415 square miles of land. Officially opened in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson, the Rocky Mountain region has been one of North America’s most popular parks for over 100 years. Due to its dramatic changes in elevation and range of landscapes, it’s home to a very diverse ecosystem, which can be best enjoyed by taking a walk along one of the park’s many hallowed trails.
Luckily, you can easily find amazing accommodation in the region so you can truly make the most of your stay. Whether it’s by camping at one of the park’s designated sites or booking cabin airbnbs in Colorado next to some of the trails, you will be able to rest and explore in comfort and style. You can even book an RV for added living space with spectacular views!
If you thought Colorado could only be explored on a set of skis, then think again. With over 300 miles of hiking trails zig-zagging across this vast stretch, you will be sure to find a track that’s just right for you. We’ve picked out our favorite three routes in the Rocky Mountain National Park, but which of these will have you lacing up your walking boots on your next adventure?
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Rocky Mountain National Park, USA
How to Get to Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake, Colorado
Bear Lake Loop
The Bear Lake Loop is one of the most popular hikes in the park, and for good reason too. It may be short in distance, measuring less than 1 mile long, but what it lacks in length it certainly makes up for in scenery. The loop is considered accessible for disabled visitors and is wheelchair-friendly, making it a great option for those looking to explore the beauty of the park without tackling its testing terrains.
Not only does the attraction to the loop lie in its natural charm, but it’s also a great starting point for many other trails. So if you’re looking to take on some more challenging tracks, the Bear Lake Loop could be a perfect early-morning appetizer. Before setting off, a small booklet can be purchased from the trailhead, giving you information about the geological and historical points of interest along the route.
Mills Lake, Colorado
Mills Lake
Voted the best route in the Rocky Mountain National Park by Condé Nast Traveler, the hike to Mills Lake will truly showcase all the natural beauty this stunning park has to offer. It is possible to begin the trek from the Bear Lake Trailhead, but this will potentially make it a more challenging walk. Instead, the majority of visitors set off from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. From here, you’re faced with a 5.3-mile hike which will both test your abilities and reward you with stunning vistas in equal measure.
Due to its fairly central location within the park, there are many different iterations of the Mills Lake hike, and you can combine it with various other routes to extend your adventure. Make sure to only take on additional routes if you are comfortable and confident in doing so. It’s important to always carefully plan your trip in advance, and heed expert advice to ensure you can enjoy your hike safely.
Flattop Mountain, Colorado
Flattop Mountain
If you’re an experienced hiker looking for even more of a challenge, then why not take on the Flattop Mountain hike? This 8.8-mile round trip will get you up close and personal with some of the park’s most distinctive natural wonders. On top of taking in unforgettable views of the surrounding landscapes and features, you’ll also have the opportunity to have your picture taken whilst standing on top of the Continental Divide.
It’s considered one of the more strenuous hikes in the region, taking you to an elevation of over 12,000 feet. If you do decide to take on the challenge, make sure you are well prepared with food, water and equipment. The weather is notorious for changing dramatically in the blink of an eye in this part of the world, so you should be fully equipped to deal with any conditions.
